Trainer Miguel Vera is fully aware of the challenges facing his 3-year-old filly Edie Meeny Miny Mo in the July 31 Monmouth Oaks (G3) at Monmouth Park.
The daughter of Upstart has never been around two turns, nor has she ever tried any stakes company yet. And she's the least experienced filly in the nine-horse field with just two career starts.
But Vera remains confident in her chances in the 1 1/16-mile contest for sophomore fillies for one important reason: Talent. Edie Meeny Miny Mo, he says, oozes it.
"It's a big step up for her but she deserves this chance," said Vera. "She has shown she has the potential to be a special horse."
Holly Hill Stables' Edie Meeny Miny Mo was unraced at 2, despite fetching a cool $400,000 from last year's Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Sale.
The Maryland-bred filly was a head-turning debut winner April 23 at Pimlico Race Course, surging home to score by 4 1/4 lengths despite an awkward hop at the start. But her follow-up effort June 13 in a Pimlico allowance optional claimer bordered on dazzling. Edie Meeny Miny Mo annexed that six-furlong dash by six lengths despite being steadied around the far turn.
"I know there is a question about the distance since her only two races have been at six furlongs and she is trying a mile and a sixteenth now," said the Maryland-based Vera. "I don't think it will be a problem. I feel confident she can go that distance. She's the kind of horse who can go a lot of different distances.
"I'm impressed by what she has done but not surprised by it. She showed she had talent from day one."
A further endorsement of the filly's ability: Victor Espinoza is coming in to ride. It is the only mount he has scheduled on the 12-race card.
"I'm very confident in her," said Vera. "I think she is a real race horse. We're going to find out more on Saturday. But she has always shown she should be in these kind of races.
"It's a great race to see where we are with her."
For Vera, who has been training since 2011, Edie Meeny Mino Mo also represents the chance for an elusive graded stakes victory. He has yet to get one.
"It would mean a lot to me," he said. "But just to be in this kind of race, any graded race, is awesome. She has shown me the potential to be the best horse I have ever had."
The 97th edition of the Monmouth Oaks also features a solid pair of John Servis-trainees in Midnight Obsession and Leader of the Band. They ran second and third, respectively, in the July 3 Delaware Oaks (G3) in their last start.
